Almost Good: The Gritty Heart of Modern Garage Rock

Almost Good is a dynamic garage rock band from Melbourne, Australia, known for their raw energy and hook-laden songwriting. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 debut album, Near Misses, which charted in the top 40 on the Australian Albums Chart and spawned several alternative radio hits.

Early career

Formed in 2013, Almost Good coalesced from the city's vibrant DIY punk and rock scene. The founding members, vocalist/guitarist Mia Vance and drummer Leo Shaw, began writing songs in a shared warehouse space, self-releasing their first two EPs, Demo(n)s (2014) and Static Age (2015), through a local collective.

Their early sound, a blend of fuzzy guitars and melodic urgency, caught the attention of independent label Dusty Records, which signed the band in early 2016. This partnership led to increased touring along Australia's east coast and a sharper focus on recording their first full-length project.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in mid-2018 with the release of their debut album, Near Misses, on Dusty Records. Lead single Burnout Boulevard became a staple on Australian alternative radio, its video receiving heavy rotation on music television channels.

Near Misses debuted at number 37 on the ARIA Charts and maintained a presence for several weeks, a significant feat for a guitar-driven debut. The album's success was bolstered by a national headline tour that consistently sold out medium-sized venues.

Key tracks

Burnout Boulevard — This breakthrough single defined their signature mix of scuzzy riffs and anthemic choruses, becoming their first track to crack the Triple J Hottest 100.

Radio Silence — A slower, more brooding album cut that demonstrated the band's depth and expanded their appeal beyond pure garage rock.

Last Call Champions — A live favorite known for its frenetic pace and closing solos, it highlights the band's formidable on-stage chemistry.

Fault Lines — From their 2021 follow-up EP, this track showcased a more polished production style while retaining their core gritty aesthetic.

Following their debut success, Almost Good spent 2019 and 2020 extensively touring, including support slots for international acts. Their 2021 EP, Crossed Wires, saw them experiment with denser soundscapes and more personal lyrics, though it did not match the chart performance of their first album. A notable collaboration came in 2022 when they featured on the track Echo Hotel by fellow Melbourne rockers The Vanishings, further cementing their place in the national rock community.

Fans of Almost Good's energetic, guitar-forward sound often also enjoy the work of similar Australian rock acts. Discover DMA's for their blend of Britpop-inspired melodies and modern rock drive. The raw power and garage ethos of Royal Headache shares clear DNA with Almost Good's early work. Check out The Chats for a more punk-inflected take on Australian suburban life. The jangly, anthemic songcraft of Skegss operates in a similar sonic space to the Melbourne band.

Almost Good's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across dedicated alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar music. Their catalog, from Burnout Boulevard to newer EP tracks, is frequently featured in rotations that highlight the best of contemporary Australian rock, ensuring their songs reach both loyal fans and new listeners.

The music of Almost Good continues to be featured across the network of radio stations available on onairium.com. Listeners can easily discover their gritty garage rock anthems and follow their evolving career by tuning into the classic rock FM stations and online rock radio streams that broadcast their songs regularly.